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I am still at the thinking stage with regards to my own dash.
I guess there is a lot to be said for having the dials, etc. on a removable panel.
But I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.
Looking forward to seeing the car wheeled out into the day light.
Good luck, Paul.
PS
Mister Towed wrote:
... I read today that the UK is stuck in a weather cycle that's going to give us another ten years of wet summers in a row. ...
Most of today was swallowed up faffing about trying to get the engine started. Battery was fully charged and everything connected but there was nothing on turning the key.
I checked to see whether any power was getting through to energise the starter solenoid and found only 2 volts. I knew my battery bonding strap was worn out - the negative battery connector was cracked and wouldn't tighten up, so it was off to Halfords for a new one (about £8).
With the new strap fitted I had the full 12v at the solenoid wire, Hooray! But still no starter motor action on turning the key, Boo!
Removed the solenoid and shorted it across the battery - nothing. Hit it with the handle of a big screwdriver because I couldn't find a hammer and, hey presto, Clack! On firing the motor I immediately found coolant pi$$ing out of a hose union because a jubilee clip had failed and come loose. With that replaced it now starts and runs when you turn the key.
I also had another headache as one of the instrument lights wouldn't work. Lots of uncomfortable hanging upside down under the dash eventually got it sorted, but with hindsight, you're absolutely right Paul - an alloy, removable panel in the centre of the dash pod would've been a good idea for access.
I also moved the car outside to take a look at the paint in daylight. So here are some outdoors piccies -
It's looking fantastic, I bet your neighbours now realise what you have been up to in the garage for the last 18 months.
The silver really sets off the big mouthed air intake on the bonnet. I bet you can't wait to fit it up and off!
Thanks CT, I'm pleased with the way it's turning out. My neighbours already knew what I was up to - one side are my parents while the other side is an American chap who's a lifelong hot rodder and has run 200mph at Bonneville in home built streamliners.
Deadline to be on the road is now Monday. Next Monday.
Deadline to be on the road is now Monday. Next Monday.
And every Next Monday until it happens. Don't rush it now, get it right.
Anyway, if you actually complete it what will I read on the internet every day?
Looking good.
Glad you like it WCA. Monday is looking a little antioptomistic at the moment. I got more done than I expected today, so I could be on the road by this Friday.
Don't worry, once it's finished there'll be regular updates regarding driving and tinkering, so I won't be forgetting about this forum and all the like-minded folk who're out there in internet land.
As it's going to rain tomorrow I've decided that the MOT will have to wait until Monday. That's given me time to fit the interior, which is black leather with dark grey carpet and it contrasts with the silver a treat. Will post pictures once the interior's fully fitted, probably tomorrow.
Got most of the interior fitted today - seat belts fitted, head fairing pad mounted, rear bulkhead carpeted, side panels fitted and the 'horseshoe' attached around the top edge. Just the centre tunnel and floor behind the seats to carpet and it'll be finished.
I decided to trial fit the seats and took a few pictures in the rain anyway -
I'm rather pleased with the effect. The head pad is a little thick but I'll get that sorted when I take the car in to Brockwell's to have the tonneau fitted in a week or so.
How rewarding it must be for you to see all your hard work finally coming together. The instrument panel, steering wheel and interior trim really set it off. I do like the number plate lamp which helps give it the period look.
Hope the MOT test is a painless experience and you can start to really appreciate your pride and joy. Your hard work and determination have certainly paid off. Look forward to some nice pictures of it out and about.
Thanks guys, it does feel like I'm on the home straight now.
Interior is now fully carpeted and I've started wiring up the methanol injection system. These are both jobs I was going to leave until after the MOT, but the rain yesterday meant I'd have a few days to get them sorted beforehand.
Should have some pictures of the finished car tomorrow evening then. ray2:
Nearly got there today, but at 8:30pm as I started fitting the headlights I ran out of cable, insulation tape and connectors so I had to concede defeat.
Will pop to the hardware store first thing and should have all the fettling done by lunchtime. Will then go for MOT after lunch. Not sure what I'll be doing with my spare time if it passes, guess I'll have to go driving it.
I did finish the water/methanol injection system, adding a second solenoid to relieve the pressure in the injector hose when you lift off. It also feeds the unused mixture back to the tank rather than wasting it. Very green.
The effect is noticeable straight away, the engine was running a tad lumpy but it's now smooth and spins up without hesitation. There's no more smoke from the exhaust either, none at all. It'll be interesting to see how it performs on the road.
...
eace: 
